The illness is spreading across nurseries in the north west of England
Preschools and nurseries in the UK are being alerted to a rising number of hand, food and mouth disease amongst younger children, leading to warnings to be vigilant – and to make sure that everyone washes their hands properly with soap and water, according to a recent article on the Day Nurseries website.
The illness, which usually lasts between seven to ten days, presents symptoms which include a high temperature, loss of appetite, a sore throat, mouth ulcers and most noticeably a rash reports author Angeline Albert.
The illness tends to be more prevalent during the autumn months – and this certainly seems to be the case of late with a nursery worker having “reported lots of children catching the disease in recent weeks.” The Blackpool based member of staff at a nursery raised concern about the ease of its spread.
“Lots of kids are getting it and it’s been spreading in other nurseries as well. They have to stay off.”
Wash hands with soap and water
By far and away the best way to control the spread of hand foot and mouth disease is for adults and children to wash their hands well and often, says the article.
“To reduce the risk of spreading hand, foot, and mouth disease, children and adults must wash their hands often with soap and water, use tissues to trap germs when coughing or sneezing, bin used tissues quickly.”
It is also important that youngster are taught to wash properly – and supervised while they do it.
Parents warned of Autumn nursery outbreaks of hand foot and mouth disease »
Preschool child washing hands with a KiddiSynk portable handwash unit
Portable hand wash units for children can be used both indoors and out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
Hand washing – the most important lesson a child can learn!
Hand washing with soap and water is an essential lifelong skill. Here, children in your care can learn the ten simple steps that show how to wash hands effectively.
